James Harden on shorthanded Rockets: ‘My goal is to make everybody better’

Prior to Saturday’s regular-season opener in Portland, Houston superstar James Harden wasn’t interested in discussing the safety protocol violations that led to him being quarantined for much of this week.

“Tonight, we’ve got a good opportunity,” said Harden. He was asked about the odd series of events leading up to Saturday’s tipoff, including the NBA’s ruling that allowed him to clear quarantine a day earlier. “I’m starting my 12th year in this league, and I’m excited for it.”

But after deflecting multiple questions related to his personal circumstances, Harden appeared happy to analyze issues related to the team at large. While the Rockets will be severely shorthanded, with six players sidelined due to positive COVID-19 tests or contact tracing, the All-Star guard said it could offer an opportunity for others to step up.

“It’s difficult. We’re missing three players in our rotation that play heavy minutes for our team, that are big pieces for our team,” Harden said after Saturday’s shootaround, in reference to veterans John Wall, Eric Gordon, and DeMarcus Cousins. “It’s an opportunity for guys to step up and play big minutes. We’ve been training for it. We’re ready for it.”

According to the team’s injury report, Houston will have nine players available for Saturday’s game, which is only one above the minimum requirement to play an NBA game. In addition to Harden, the active list includes guards David Nwaba, Sterling Brown, and Brodric Thomas; forwards Danuel House Jr., PJ Tucker, and Jae’Sean Tate; and centers Christian Wood and Bruno Caboclo.

Of those other eight, House and Tucker are the only two players that Harden has previously played significant game minutes with. However, entering his 12th NBA season, Harden indicated that he accepts the responsibility and the challenge of leading under rare circumstances.

“My goal is to make everybody better,” Harden said on Saturday afternoon. “They have an IQ of basketball, how to play, their spots, where they like to be. I know our personnel. My job is to run the show, move guys into positions to be successful.”

Now 31 years old, Harden has led the NBA in scoring in each of the last three seasons, and he’s been an MVP finalist for four straight years. That includes 2018, when he won the award. As such, “The Beard” expressed confidence when asked about his outlook for the season.

“Individually for me, it’s being the best basketball player on the floor every single night,” Harden said. “Then it’s making sure making sure my teammates can be the best player they can be every single night. Obviously, every night it doesn’t work out that way. But if I have that mentality, more often than not, things will work out that way for our entire team. I just try to go out there and be the best I can be.” …

“I feel like I’m 21 again,” Harden added. “In reality, I’m not. I just try … try to find yourself in this league. Some guys never do. I know myself, overall. That’s why I’m so confident, and so ready.”

Harden referred to Saturday’s shootaround as “very important,” given the sudden roster changes, and he expects a strong effort from the Trail Blazers (0-1) after a blowout home loss to Utah in their opening game.

“Obviously, Dame [Damian Lillard[ and CJ [McCollum], they have a really good team,” Harden said. “They didn’t play well their first game but it’s the start of a new season. They’re looking to bounce back. For us, we’re playing our first game. It’s always tough to beat them in Portland, with fans or without. It’s going to be a challenge for us.”

As usual, Harden didn’t make reference to his reported desire for a trade in the recently completed offseason. “To get out here playing, never want to take playing basketball for granted,” Harden concluded.

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